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New Moms Are Putting Their Own Health Care Last And Experts Are Worried

In the months leading up to giving birth, there are endless appointments and, at times, countless check ins from family and friends. However, in the fourth trimester (the three months after birth), women can often feel like they have been left in the dust. As a result, many are experiencing depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Newborns are exhausting, and a mother's work never ends. So, when fitting in a shower or grabbing a bite to eat is challenging, often the health of moms also falls to the very bottom of her priority list.

Considering that 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression (PPD), the well being of new moms is crucial. Unlike baby blues, which is common, PPD needs to addressed professionally, as it doesn’t go away without treatment. A strong support system and having a plan in place is not always readily available to new moms. Or, if it is, many feel ashamed or fearful to admit how they feel.

In a new survey, done by Orlando Health, it was found that more than a quarter of mothers had no plan for managing their own health after birth. More than forty percent stated that they felt anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed. The survey also found that women under forty-five were more likely to experience anxiety or depression after birth, more than thirty-seven per cent of women felt embarrassed by what they were experiencing with their body, and nearly two thirds of women were just as concerned about their own health, yet twenty-six per cent didn’t have a plan in place to manage their concerns. The number is even higher among women between eighteen and thirty-six, where it jumps to thirty-seven per cent .

Megan Gray, MD, an OB/GYN at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, states that visiting an OB/GYN is imperative to women’s well being and health after giving birth. "Just talking through some of the things they're going through can help women realize that they're not alone and that what they're feeling is okay," said Gray. "Asking for help will ultimately make you a better mom."

On the upside, there are more women speaking up about the truths of motherhood. Celebrities, and moms, like Amy Schumer, Hilary Duff, and Chrissy Teigen keep it real on social media. Using their platforms to open up the dialogue about the many challenges moms face, is both refreshing and appreciated. From breastfeeding, to body changes, no topic is off limits.

A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on May 20, 2018 at 9:04pm PDT

Most women have experienced some kind of, “what is happening to me?” moment after birth, and the more we speak out about the challenges or motherhood, the better off we will be.

Gray hopes that she will be able to educate more women during pregnancy to better prepare them for the fourth trimester; "You may feel out of control, and you are. Not every woman is able to breastfeed; your baby may not sleep at exactly the same time every day or drink the exact same amount of milk at each feeding, and that's okay. “There is no perfect mom out there, and taking some of that pressure off yourself will help you be the best mom you can be and help you better experience the many joys of motherhood."

A post shared by Hilary Duff (@hilaryduff) on May 7, 2019 at 4:27pm PDT

Remember to check in with your new mama friends. Ask if they need anything, even if it’s something as simple as a warm shower, or a fresh cup of coffee. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference.